Class President Election
A class president is the representative of the class, a leader who guides their fellow students. Naturally, it requires leadership along with various administrative skills and communication abilities. Sometimes, it even demands courage to handle conflicts with other classes or teachers. But the Soeun I knew had none of those qualities. Baek Hara, who had placed her in our group, surely knew that too. Yet there wasn't the slightest hesitation in her recommendation.
"Well, the class president should ideally be the most capable person in the class, right? In that regard, Soeun, who took first place in the entire grade, is the perfect candidate."
High grades make for a good class president... It was a logical assumption on the surface, and the other students seemed to agree. Probably only I suspected something was off. Excluding Baek Hara's clique, I was the only one who'd gotten close to Soeun in this class.
"Indeed, it's a long-standing tradition in every class for the top student to take the role."
Seemingly oblivious to the situation, the homeroom teacher soon turned to Soeun. "What do you think, Soeun? Will you run for class president like Hara suggested?"
"I... um..."
Soeun trailed off, glancing nervously at the other students. Among them, Baek Hara watched her most intently, with a pure, innocent smile on her face.
"Don't worry, Soeun. You can do it~"
The words seemed harmless on the surface. But Soeun trembled slightly, as if feeling some subtle pressure, and couldn't muster a proper rebuttal. She just bowed her head in quiet assent.
"Y-yes... I'll run, then..."
"Great. So Kim Manbung and Yoo Soeun are our candidates... Anyone else want to nominate someone? If not, we'll vote between these two."
Damn, she'd committed to it. With her own words sealing the deal, it would be way too meddlesome for me to step in and argue she wasn't suited. If things went on like this, she'd end up as class president or vice president, dancing to Baek Hara's tune. To stop that, what could I do...?
"I'll nominate someone too."
Raising my hand at just the right moment drew all eyes to me.
"Oh? You're recommending another candidate when you're already one yourself?"
"Well, since I've been nominated, I'd like to win, but if there's someone even better suited, I should yield the spot."
"Hmm, fair enough. So, who do you nominate?"
"I..."
My gaze swept to one spot. There sat the leader of the largest clique in class—and the one who drew the most attention by far.
"I nominate Baek Hara for class president."
"Me?"
Did she really not see it coming? Baek Hara and everyone else looked half-stunned as I laid out plausible reasons why she was perfect for the role.
"She's incredibly sociable. In just one week, she's made friends with more people than anyone. If she becomes class president and sets a good example, it'll positively influence the others too."
"Hmm, true. Communication is key for a class president. What about you, Hara? Will you run, accepting Manbung's nomination?"
Convinced by my words, the teacher turned to her. Baek Hara frowned briefly, but with everyone watching, outright refusing wouldn't be easy. It was a classic case of getting caught in her own trap.
"Well... I'm not totally confident, but out of respect for the nomination, I suppose I should run."
"Perfect. Now we have three candidates: Hara, Manbung, and Soeun. Come up front and share your aspirations as class president."
Reluctantly agreeing, Baek Hara joined Soeun and me at the front of the classroom. As the teacher prepared the election, she sidled up to me and whispered.
"Hey, are we friends or something? Nominating me out of nowhere is pretty disorienting."
Her face smiled, but her voice dripped with irritation. She clearly hated this turn of events. Sensing my plan had worked, I played it cool right in front of her.
"Sorry if it's a hassle. I just thought since you get so much attention in class, you'd be great as president."
"I do love the spotlight, but springing this on me is inconvenient~ Especially when you're running too and suddenly adding a rival... Makes me think you've got some shady motives."
Pot calling the kettle black. She'd nominated Soeun with her own shady intentions.
"Maybe, but if you didn't want it, you could've just said no. No one's forcing you to run just because you're nominated."
"As if I could. Refusing with everyone watching would be mortifying."
Exactly why she'd pushed the timid Soeun into this. That girl staring nervously at the floor had probably felt too awkward to refuse and got dragged up here semi-forcibly.
"But whatever, now that I'm in, I'll try to win. Being president comes with perks, after all~"
She brushed it off like it was no big deal. Just as I was confirming what a schemer she was, the teacher announced the elections were ready and called us forward.
"Candidates, come up one by one and briefly share your goals as class president."
"Sure~ I'll go first~"
Despite her earlier reluctance, Baek Hara stepped up eagerly. Bathed in an almost radiant glow that captivated everyone, she began her speech.
"Hi, everyone~ I'm Baek Hara, your friend! This is my first time running for class president, so I'm a bit nervous, but if elected, I'll do my absolute best to support all of you in class life~!"
"Especially since this school has all sorts of events every year, right? If I'm president, I'll make sure our class gets more attention than others during festivals and such. That's the best way to have fun, after all~"
Her speech focused on school events, drawing keen interest—eyes lit up toward her. Satisfied with the attention, she stepped down.
Even if she'd been dragged into it unwillingly, she seemed genuine about the election. As a fellow candidate, I might have to step up my game. Clearing my throat to fill her spot, I began.
"I'm Kim Manbung, candidate for class president."
"Pfft."
"How is his name Kim Manbung...?"
Damn, after a week, they should've been used to it. But it just meant I hadn't fully blended into the class yet.
"Yes, my name is Kim Manbung. My parents gave me this 'stone' name hoping I'd make lots of friends."
Realizing the chance, I used my speech to imprint my presence on the class.
"True to that name, I've worked hard to be an ideal friend. Those efforts have shone here too—friends I've made see my potential and nominated me."
"It might sound arrogant, but I believe it's proof I'm suited to lead this class. Just as those friends recognize me, with more chances to show myself, I can earn everyone's trust."
"So here, I declare: If elected, I'll strive to be a leader who never betrays your trust."
I bowed to end. Even the snickering students now looked impressed, and the teacher clapped lightly.
"That's a solid speech for something improvised. He'd make a good president."
Good, I'd scored points with the teacher. But elections are decided by students, not teachers. With one candidate I desperately didn't want to win still in, I couldn't relax.
"Finally, Soeun?"
"Y-yes..."
Soeun stepped quietly to the front amid focused gazes. Her mouth opened slowly.
"I, um..."
She couldn't say much. Even at the entrance ceremony as student rep, she'd barely spoken. No way she could lead as president.
"Um, please take care of me."
True to expectations, she offered no real aspirations and wrapped up. The class deflated collectively, but the teacher clapped to rally them.
"Speeches done—time to vote. Write your chosen candidate on the papers. This person will represent you for a year, so choose wisely."
Right, not just a popularity contest. The winner would shape the class atmosphere.
"Is that the final count?"
As I waited tensely, the teacher announced.
Stepping aside revealed the board with vote tallies—predictable, acceptable results.
"Baek Hara takes first, Kim Manbung second."
Yeah, even in a serious high school election, popularity rules. The most popular gets votes; the overlooked get none. Hara as class center took first, I as noticeable second—natural.
"So Hara is class president, Manbung vice president. Soeun... don't be too disappointed. Work hard, and you might get a chance next time."
Disappointed? Hardly. For Soeun, unused to the spotlight, dodging president was a relief.
At least we'd avoided the worst: her as president. Sure, as someone aiming for it, missing out stung a bit.
"Hehe, this is a fun twist."
As I felt a twinge of disappointment, Baek Hara approached, giggling mischievously, her tone teasing.
"Your speech seemed serious about winning, but you lost to the candidate you nominated... Hehe, straight out of a variety show. Don't you think it's hilarious?"
Victory high or mocking my failure? Either way, cheap provocation. I shrugged it off casually.
"Eh, no big loss. Vice president has perks too."
"Oh~ Really content with second place? After runner-up grades, now vice president—maybe you're just a natural number two~"
"..."
"Aw~ Why the face? Just kidding~"
It grated more than a joke should. As I tried to play it cool, she smirked and dropped a loaded line.
"Anyway~ Nominating me means you'll put up with whatever I do as president, right?"
"...What do you mean?"
"What could I mean~? Hehe~"
She flashed an innocent grin and returned to her seat. I watched her go, speechless, then headed back to mine, accepting the results.
I didn't know what her smile meant.
But dimly, I felt responsible for making her president.